Random Building

1965 – Public Safety Building, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Architect: Libling Michener & Associates

On December 21 1964, Winnipeg City Council awarded a contract for the construction of the new Public Safety Building and Civic Parkade on land directly west of the City Hall at a cost of $4.8 million. These buildings were completed in 1966. The Public Safety Building contains the headquarters of the Winnipeg Police Service and the Emergency Response Service. Both buildings are connected to the City Hall by a underground walkway

Almost universally disliked by the public, the building is a good example of Brutalism with a strongly expressed external grid of posts, beams and windows all contributing to a fortress like appearance.

Since the late 20th century, the building has suffered from the failure of its stone facade which is crumbling and falling off. Plans are now underway to move the police department to the former Canada Post building on Graham Avenue. The future of this is unknown, but due to estimated costs in repair and upgrade, it is likely to be demolished.